Archaeology in Action: Reconstructing Culinary Practices in Prehistoric Cyprus from Charred Food Remains

Join ASOR’s Early Career Scholars on May 29, 2026 at 12:00pm ET via Zoom for a virtual Research in Action talk from Dr. Leilani Lucas.

Please join the ASOR Early Career Research in Action Series for a talk led by Dr. Leilani Lucas, Professor of Anthropology at College of Southern Nevada. This talk presents a case study from prehistoric Cyprus applying microstructural analysis to amorphous charred objects (ACOs) and integrating them with archaeobotanical evidence and material culture. Despite their frequent recovery in Cypriot archaeobotanical samples, charred amorphous or unidentifiable plant remains have typically been relegated to brief entries in archaeobotanical tables. This study demonstrates archaeological science in action by applying microstructural analysis to ACOs, enabling the reconstruction of past food preparation and consumption practices. Archaeobotanical research on the island has traditionally focused on the recovery and identification of plant taxa to reconstruct agricultural and subsistence patterns, leaving questions of food processing and consumption technologies underexplored. ACOs recovered from Feature 33 at Kissonerga-Skalia (Late Cypriot IA) are examined as direct evidence of past culinary practices. This study contributes to a growing body of research demonstrating the potential of microstructural analysis to enhance archaeobotanical interpretations of food preparation in the past, while providing the first applications of this approach in Cyprus.

The event is FREE for the ASOR community, but registration is required.